Europe - Tug owners overcome coronavirus challenges

European tug owners have overcome the rising business and financial challenges of continuing towage services during the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.

Italy was an epicentre for Covid-19 infections in Europe during April 2020. And its tug operators were challenged to maintain coastal and harbour towage services and provide salvage coverage for maritime emergencies.

Business was impacted by a huge slump in ferry and cruise ship manoeuvring demand as these services were scaled back during March and April. There were also crewing and technical challenges to overcome.